Designing a new home or remodeling an existing one can be an exciting and rewarding process. It can also come with several challenges and difficulties. New homeowners are especially prone to possible residential drafting mistakes in the enthusiasm of creating their ideal space.
Mistakes can also be costly and add to the eventual final cost of a home. Construction rework due to errors can be expensive. On average, construction contract costs increase by about 2.9 percent from the initial contract costs from design errors and omissions and an additional 2.2 percent from unexpected and unanticipated site conditions.
When you work with an architectural drafter, they create drawings in CAD that show exactly what your new structure looks like in real-time. They also help you steer clear of the design flaws and errors that can complicate the final results, such as building and other code compliance, structural integrity, and staying within your budget.
Residential Drafting Mistakes
Some of the most common mistakes we see are:
- Over-complicated designs. Creating a design is so complicated that it becomes almost impossible to build.
- Underestimating your needs for storage. Many homeowners make this mistake and scramble later to find places for everything. Consider storage areas in your attic, built-in shelves, and other options that go beyond closets.
- Ignoring natural light. This is especially important in Maui, so don’t neglect to add the right-sized windows, skylights, and other features that maximize natural light indoors. Inadequate window space and a lack of natural light will make your home feel dark and uncomfortable.
- Inefficient space planning. Incorrectly planned space can lead to awkward, cramped, or an unusable area in a home, leading to wasted space.
- Planning for now and not the future. Building for now may mean upgrades, modifications, and even building another home.
Architectural Drafting Tips To Avoid Mistakes And Ensure A Correct Design
Working with an architectural drafter can help resolve these issues long before the construction phase begins:
- Make the design simpler where possible, focusing on functionality and optimal use of space
- Measure accurately and cross-verify these measurements, as well as get a “second set of eyes” to review them.
- Double-check building codes and regulations to ensure compliance and reduce fines, delays, and rework to become compliant.
- Examine your home’s layout and plan for maximum natural light to avoid a dark interior.
- Optimize storage space with traditional and nontraditional methods to keep your home neat and clutter-free.
- Consider the future state of your new home. How long do you plan to be in your home? Are you planning to raise your children there, have a home office, or building for retirement? Make your home’s design more flexible so that changes in use and other modifications are easier.
Your architect and architectural drafter can offer more suggestions to help reduce and eliminate residential drafting mistakes to create a home that’s beautiful, functional, and livable for years to come.
Pro Draft Professional Drafting Services
Pro Draft has been helping homeowners and business owners realize their design visions for over 30 years. We understand the unique nature of construction projects in Maui and will work to make sure your renovations or new construction is exactly as you envisioned. Our efficient drafting solutions like AutoCAD create the most complete and accurate drawings.
We can help with architecture, drawings, blueprints, permits, and design work, and answer all your questions before the first day of construction. We’re happy to help and will work to ensure your project is exactly the way you envision.
Call Pro Draft today at (808) 579-9050 or 1-800-499-4699 from the Mainland.
